Worksop: Time for residents to have say on town centre parking consultation

Guardian News

An experimental traffic regulation order was introduced in May 2012 aimed at reducing the levels of traffic along the pedestrianised section of Bridge Place, Bridge Street and Castle Street.

It also removed access for all blue badge and special access permit holders.

The scheme was unpopular with some motorists, especially a number with special access permits who said that the changes were causing severe difficulties.

As a result the experimental order was removed in July 2012 and all previous access and parking arrangements restored.

Following this a consultation took place in the autumn of 2012 and generated almost 1,000 comments.

Coun Kevin Greaves, chairman of the County Council’s transport and highways committee, said: “We think that the proposed scheme balances the needs of everyone who uses the town centre - pedestrians and motorists alike -and reflects the wishes of the wider community as expressed in last year’s consultation.”

The new proposals for Bridge Street and the pedestrianised section of Castle Street allows access for special access permit holders at all times except on market days.

It also allows access for loading vehicles on all days before 10am and after 4pm.

It does not permit access at any time for blue badge holders.

On Bridge Place, between the Priory Centre car park and Ryton Street and on Bridge Street, between Ryton Street and Newcastle Street, new proposals do not permit access at any time for special access permit holders or for blue badge holders but allows access for loading vehicles on all days before 10am and after 4pm.